Maternity leave

What is maternity leave?

Maternity leave is the period of authorised absence from work granted to a birthing parent before and/or after the birth (or adoption) of a child.

The purpose of maternity leave is to support the health, recovery, and caregiving responsibilities of the parent during the early stages of parenthood. The duration, pay entitlement, and eligibility criteria for maternity leave vary significantly across countries, and may be influenced by national labour laws, collective bargaining agreements, or employer policies.

Globally, most countries mandate some form of paid maternity leave, with durations typically ranging from 12 to 26 weeks, though some extend beyond that. For example, employees in the European Union are entitled to at least 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, while countries like Sweden and Estonia offer generous parental leave schemes that include maternity leave within a broader framework. In contrast, the United States does not mandate paid maternity leave at the federal level, though some states and employers provide it voluntarily.

See also:What are the best countries for maternity leave?

Maternity leave may be fully paid, partially paid, or unpaid, depending on the country’s legislation and whether the funding is provided by the employer, a government social security scheme, or both. In many jurisdictions, employees must meet certain length-of-service or contribution requirements to qualify for paid leave.

Why does this matter for employers?

Employers must ensure compliance with local maternity leave laws wherever they hire. This includes understanding entitlements related to duration, payment, job protection, and any documentation required. Failure to comply can lead to legal disputes, financial penalties, and reputational harm.

Beyond legal obligations, offering supportive maternity leave policies can improve employee retention, promote gender equity, and enhance employer branding. For globally distributed teams, consistent and inclusive parental leave strategies can help standardise the employee experience.

How can Remote help?

When you hire through Remote, we help ensure compliance with local maternity leave laws across all countries we operate in. This helps you support your employees while remaining compliant with labour laws worldwide. Learn more.